1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Bristol 603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Bristol 603 would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Bristol 603. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Bristol 603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 603 | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 80 L |
